U.S. patent application number 16/789985 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for lighting control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to XKGlow, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Danial Zhang Julian. Invention is credited to Haogang Chen, Danial Julian, Richard Mansell, Zhongren Zhang.
Application Number | 20200187337 16/789985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70970325 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200187337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Julian; Danial ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
Lighting Control System
Abstract
A lighting control system of the type including an electronic
device with a processor, memory, wireless communication capability
and a user interface may be used. A controller may be used with a
receiver to receive wireless communication from the electronic
device and an output terminal with at least one lighting array in
electrical communication with the output terminal of the
controller. A power supply may be provided in electrical
communication with the controller thereby providing electrical
power to the controller and the lighting array. Software on the
electrical device may be used providing a graphical interface with
a user to actuate the controller to provide an electrical output to
the lighting array. The combination may be placed on a building,
vehicle or any object to allow a plurality of lighting themes and
palettes. Music may also be used to control the lighting output as
well as speed or acceleration.
Inventors: |
Julian; Danial; (Athens,
IL) ; Zhang; Zhongren; (San Jose, CA) ; Chen;
Haogang; (San Bruno, CA) ; Mansell; Richard;
(Covington, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Julian; Danial
Zhang; Zhongren
Chen; Haogang
Mansell; Richard |
Athens
San Jose
San Bruno
Covington |
IL
CA
CA
VA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
XKGlow, Inc.
Springfiled
IL
|
Family ID: |
70970325 |
Appl. No.: |
16/789985 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16133468 |
Sep 17, 2018 |
10568189 |
|
|
16789985 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 47/165 20200101;
G06F 3/04847 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G06F 3/0486 20130101; B60Q 2900/30 20130101; H05B 47/12 20200101;
H05B 47/16 20200101; H04M 1/72533 20130101; H05B 47/105 20200101;
B60Q 1/482 20130101; B60Q 3/80 20170201; B60Q 3/85 20170201; G01S
5/0027 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; H05B 45/20 20200101; H05B
39/041 20130101; B60Q 1/44 20130101; G01S 19/13 20130101; G06F
3/04817 20130101; H04M 2250/12 20130101; H05B 47/155 20200101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 47/19 20060101
H05B047/19; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; H05B 39/04 20060101
H05B039/04; B60Q 1/44 20060101 B60Q001/44; G01S 19/13 20060101
G01S019/13; G06F 3/0481 20060101 G06F003/0481; G06F 3/0486 20060101
G06F003/0486; G06F 3/0482 20060101 G06F003/0482; G06F 3/0484
20060101 G06F003/0484; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725; B60Q 3/85
20060101 B60Q003/85; B60Q 1/48 20060101 B60Q001/48; G01S 5/00
20060101 G01S005/00; H05B 47/16 20060101 H05B047/16; H05B 47/12
20060101 H05B047/12; H05B 45/20 20060101 H05B045/20 |
Claims
1. A lighting control system of the type including an electronic
device with a processor, memory, wireless communication capability
and a user interface; a controller with a receiver to receive
wireless communication from the electronic device and an output
terminal; at least one lighting array in electrical communication
with the output terminal of the controller; a power supply in
electrical communication with the controller, thereby providing
electrical power to the controller and the at least one lighting
array; and software on the electrical device, the software
providing a graphical interface with a user to actuate the
controller to provide an electrical output to the at least one
lighting array, the software including providing a live preview of
a theme using the graphical interface, wherein the theme is
displayed as a series of pattern sequences, the live preview
including the steps of: a user touching the graphical interface
near a displayed lighting pattern; the user holding this position
on the graphical interface for a predetermined period of time; and
the software prompting the graphical interface to illuminate the
pattern sequences in a manner representative of a pattern to be
illuminated by the at least one lighting array.
2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined period of time is one second.
3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, further
comprising a light map indicator on the graphical interface, the
light map indicator displaying a representation of one or more
lighting arrays, the light map indicator providing control of a
lighting array by the steps of: the user selecting a light zone;
displaying a light zone map including one or more light map
indicators on the graphical interface; the user touching a selected
portion of the light map indicator on the light zone map; changing
a displayed color of the selected portion of the light map
indicator on the light zone map to the color indicated by the
selected light zone; sending data to the controller to change the
color of illumination of a portion of the lighting array in
accordance with the light map indicator on the light zone map; and
illuminating the lighting array in a color pattern consistent with
that as displayed by the light map indicator on the graphical
interface.
4. The lighting control system according to claim 3, further
comprising the steps of: the user selecting a second light zone;
the user touching a second selected portion of the light map
indicator on the light zone map; changing a displayed color of the
second selected portion of the light map indicator on the light
zone map to the color indicated by the second light zone; sending
data to the controller to change the color of illumination of the
second selected portion of the lighting array in accordance with
the light map indicator on the light zone map; and illuminating the
lighting array in a color pattern consistent with that as displayed
by the light map indicator on the graphical interface.
5. The lighting control system according to claim 1, further
comprising a sensor module in communication with the controller,
the sensor module in communication with at least one TO device,
wherein an input to the sensor module by way of the at least one TO
device includes the steps of: providing a data input to the
controller from the sensor module; the software interpreting the
data input and initiating an action by the controller with regard
to the data input; and the controller providing a lighting response
of the at least one light array.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.
16/133,468 filed on Sep. 17, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,189,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
15/868,874, filed Jan. 11, 2018, which is a division of application
Ser. No. 15/170,634, filed on Jun. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,872,369.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to lighting control
systems and, more particularly, to lighting control systems used in
conjunction with a portable electronic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Lights on vehicles are not only commonly used but a vital
safety feature when the vehicle is driven and especially driven at
night. Law enforcement officers will not hesitate to stop and
ticket a vehicle that does not comply with laws put in place to
make the operation of a vehicle safe by enabling the operator to
see the road and other vehicles and potential hazards. In addition
vehicles have required lights to create better visibility of their
vehicle to others. The more clearly a vehicle can be seen, the
lower the risk of being accidently hit by another vehicle. Lights
that "move" in that the color or color patterns change over time
draw attention to the vehicle, further enhancing the vehicle's
likelihood of being seen on the road.
[0004] People enjoy decorating. Homes, businesses, and objects such
as trees around the world are adorned with lighting displays for
holidays and sometimes just to create a particular ambiance.
Vehicles are also an expression of personality and individuality
and as such, can be decorated. Adding lighting to vehicles may help
people to bring attention to that vehicle, as with product
advertizing on the vehicle, or simply to express team or holiday
spirit. If nothing else, it may just be just an artistic
expression. Regardless of the motivation, vehicle lighting may have
a variety of positive effects for the user. The true value is not
just putting some lights on the vehicle but the ability to create
an artistic interaction of light that provides increased visibility
of the vehicle, thus creating increased safety and an expression of
the personality of the user. This may require a more interactive
combination of colors and brightness in a dynamic but controlled
nature. For this, the ability to create and control this process in
a manner that is expansive and user friendly may be needed.
[0005] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there is a need
for a lighting control system including an electronic application
that allows for use on a variety of electronic devices, and may
include GPS location and may provide a functional user interface to
control one or more lighting systems. The present invention
fulfills this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention may include a lighting control system
of the type including an electronic device with a processor,
memory, wireless communication capability and a user interface. A
controller may be included with a receiver to receive wireless
communication from the electronic device and an output terminal.
The system may further include at least one lighting array in
electrical communication with the output terminal of the
controller. A power supply may be included in electrical
communication with the controller, thereby providing electrical
power to the controller and the lighting array. Software may be
included on the electrical device, the software providing a
graphical interface with a user to actuate the controller to
provide an electrical output to the lighting array. The software
may include setting a color palette by using the graphical
interface and the steps of setting a color by manipulating an icon
about a partial circle area with a center point of the circle
located near a corner of the graphical interface. The color hue may
be adjusted by movement of the icon in one radial dimension and
moving the same icon in an orthogonal radial dimension to alter the
saturation of that color. Setting a brightness value of the color
may be accomplished by moving an icon on a sliding scale on the
graphical interface, the sliding scale having a similar center
point as the partial circle. The system may also include an auto
shutdown switch that may signal the controller to turn off the
lighting array after a set amount of time after the controller
looses the wireless communication with the electronic device.
[0007] The center point of the partial circle may be located near
the lower right corner of the graphical interface of the electronic
device. By doing so, a user may grasp the electronic device in
their right hand and interact with the graphical interface of the
electronic device using the right thumb of the user. The lighting
control system may also include providing a screen flip function.
Actuation of the screen flip function to a first setting may
provide the center point of the circle area to be located near the
bottom right corner of the graphical interface and in a second
setting the center point of the circle area may be located near the
bottom left corner of the graphical interface.
[0008] The invention may also include a pattern selection option on
the graphical interface of the electronic device. The pattern
selection may be a pattern selected from the group consisting of a
solid pattern, a slow fade pattern and a strobe pattern. A solid
pattern may be a color that comes on and stays on. A slow fade
pattern may be a pattern that starts out as a low intensity (lower
light) and slowly increases to a brighter light. A strobe may be a
light that goes from an off position to an on position rapidly and
then rapidly to an off position again, repeating on a systematic
basis.
[0009] More than one output terminal may be used, each output
terminal and any lighting array in electrical communication with
that output terminal may be designated by a separate zone with
respect to a different output terminal. One zone may be grouped
together with another zone to form a group, thereby any action
taken to affect the group will affect both zones. A zone may be
grouped to another zone by dragging the icon of one zone over to
and stopping over an icon of another zone. Two concentric circles
may be displayed without any numbers in the circles to designate
that icon represents more than one zone that are now grouped
together to act as one zone.
[0010] The system may include a color selection icon on the
graphical interface, the use of the graphical interface may include
the steps of activating the camera function of the electronic
device, creating a source image and saving it within the memory of
the electronic device. A color mapping system may be used on a
finite number of pixels of the source image. The system may elect a
color within the memory of the electronic device with similar color
properties to the source image. The system may further include the
step of enhancing the color of the source image by use of a color
purifying algorithm, which may be used to maximize the level of
saturation of the color. This may be done prior to selecting a
mapped color from the memory of the electronic device.
[0011] The palette of the lighting control system may also include
a white light setting. The white light color may be defined as a
temperature range of burning carbon as measured in degrees Kelvin.
This temperature may be selected for one or more zones. An
additional step of adding any color to a favorites category may be
done. Any color currently being used may be added to a favorites
palette that may be later retrieved by the user by actuation of a
single button.
[0012] The controller may further include a sensor wire for
receiving a voltage input to the controller from a source outside
of the lighting control system. Upon receiving the voltage input by
way of the sensor wire, the controller may provide an electrical
output to the lighting array. This output may be fully customized
to display color, pattern, and speed of one or more zones.
[0013] The lighting system may also include the ability to select
and use a color theme. Selection of a color theme may include the
steps of selecting a lighting pattern, selecting a pattern
frequency, colors and selecting a lighting brightness. The lighting
system may also include a set up for setting a specific theme as a
startup theme for one or more zones. A sensor wire may also be used
similar to that as previously disclosed.
[0014] The lighting system may also have software which includes
the ability to set a music link. The music link may use the
graphical interface and the steps of selecting a music source
input, selecting the lighting color mode and selecting the color of
one or more zones, wherein the lighting output may be mapped to the
volume changing scope of the music. The music source input may be
an input selected from the group consisting of music stored on the
electronic device and ambient music received by a microphone on the
electronic device. The music received by the microphone may be
adjusted in sensitivity by adjusting a volume filter by way of a
graphic slider on the graphical interface of the electronic
device.
[0015] The music link may also include single color mode and a
multi color mode, wherein the single color mode results in a
lighting output of the lighting array that is of a single color and
varies in brightness according to the volume changing scope of the
music. The multi color mode results in a lighting output of the
lighting array that includes more than one color and varies in
brightness according to the volume changing scope of the music.
[0016] The electronic device of the lighting system may include a
GPS beacon and GPS software and the software may include displaying
GPS data on the graphical interface. The controller may include a
receiver adapted to receive short distance wireless communication,
such as a short-wavelength, ultra high frequency radio wave
communication, from the electronic device. The use of the system
may include the steps of establishing a short distance wireless
communication between the electronic device and the controller,
moving the electronic device out of range of the controller and
thereby breaking the short distance communication between the
electronic device and the controller, and activating the GPS beacon
in the electronic device and sending GPS coordinate information to
the graphical interface at the moment the short distance
communication between the electronic device and the controller is
broken. The system may also include the steps of moving the
electronic device near the controller so as to reestablish short
distance communication between the electronic device and the
controller, pressing the light icon on the map on the graphical
interface, and activating the lighting array of the lighting
system, thereby alerting the user as to the exact location of the
lighting control system and any vehicle to which the lighting
system is attached.
[0017] The lighting control system may further including the steps
of collecting two GPS locations, calculating the distance between
the two GPS locations, divided the distance by the time over which
that distance was traveled, thereby providing a speed of movement
of the electronic device and graphically displaying the speed of
movement on the electronic device. The higher the speed the device
reads the brighter the light output may be, within the adjusted
range. You may adjust the speed range by pulling the speedometer
right/up and left/down. Speed value may also change the color. The
speed of movement may be graphically displayed as a quarter circle
analog dial with a needle indicator displaying the current speed.
The quarter circle analog dial may include an adjustable scale that
can be changed by the user by touching the scale area and dragging
that touched area toward a minimum scale value to increase a
maximum scale value. The electronic device may also include an
accelerometer and the acceleration of the electronic device may be
displayed as a quarter circle analog dial with a needle indicator
displaying the current acceleration. The greater the acceleration
force the device reads the brighter the light output may be. The
acceleration value may also change the color. This scale may also
be adjustable in a similar manner as noted above for the current
speed.
[0018] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood
that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in
accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,
for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0019] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description of the preferred
embodiments and drawings, the invention not being limited to any
particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a disassembled lighting
control system with an electronic device, presented in accordance
with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a single electronic device
and two lighting systems, presented in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a controller as shown in FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a setup screen for an electronic device as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electronic device as shown in
FIG. 1 providing a graphic interface with the user and a setup of a
color palette for a solid form of continuous color output for the
application software of the system as shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an electronic device as shown in
FIG. 1 providing a graphic interface with the user and a setup of a
color palette for a breath form of varying color output for the
application software of the system as shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 7a is a plan view of a close up of the lower right
portion of the display of the electronic device of FIG. 6 in which
more than one zone has been grouped together and a color
chosen.
[0028] FIG. 7b is a plan view of a close up of the lower right
portion of the display of the electronic device of FIG. 7a in which
zones 1 and 2 are still grouped together but displayed to allow
them to be ungrouped.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an electronic device as shown in
FIG. 6 with the graphics flipped from a right hand use to a left
hand use.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an electronic device as shown in
FIG. 1 providing a graphic interface with the user and a color
capture feature is shown using the camera of the electronic
device.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user and a device list
screen shot.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user and a color theme
setup.
[0033] FIG. 12a is a plan view of a close up of the lower right
portion of the display of the electronic device of FIG. 11 after
selecting the White button in FIG. 11.
[0034] FIG. 12b is a plan view of a close up of the lower right
portion of the display of the electronic device of FIG. 11 after
selecting the RGB button in FIG. 11.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface displaying an example of the white
color function of FIG. 11 on the electronic device.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user and an existing color
theme or an option to create a new theme.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user as a setup for a new
color theme.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user as a continuation of
the setup for a new color theme as shown in FIG. 13.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user and the ability to
apply a theme to one or more currently assigned zones.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user to synchronize and
adjust a lighting output to ambient noise such as music.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user to synchronize and
adjust a lighting output to music or other audio data stored on the
electronic device and used with a single color output.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user to control the lighting
output based on the music playing on the electronic device and used
for a multi color output.
[0043] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user to adjust the grouping
and colors of each group of the lighting output based on the music
playing on the electronic device.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user to select a color group
for the lighting output based on the music playing on the
electronic device.
[0045] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user to edit a color group
for the lighting output based on the music playing on the
electronic device.
[0046] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user to utilize the find my
vehicle function on the electronic device.
[0047] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface for the user with the find my vehicle
function on the electronic device and actuating the lights of the
vehicle.
[0048] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
with a modified bottom menu, providing a graphic interface with the
motion function on the electronic device, set in the acceleration
mode.
[0049] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 26
with a modified bottom menu, providing a graphic interface with the
motion function on the electronic device, set in the current speed
mode.
[0050] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 1
providing a graphic interface with the user and a live preview
theme setup example.
[0051] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 26
providing a graphic interface with the user and an alternative live
preview theme setup example.
[0052] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of an alternative to the
lighting control system of FIG. 1 with an electronic device,
presented in accordance with the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 31 is a plan view of a lighting array of FIG. 30, the
lighting array including a local chip.
[0054] FIG. 32 is a plan view of a control panel of FIG. 30.
[0055] FIG. 33 is a plan view of a sensor module of FIG. 30.
[0056] FIG. 34 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 13
showing an alternative graphical interface.
[0057] FIG. 35 is a plan view of the electronic device of FIG. 34
showing an example of a light zone map on the display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] With reference to the illustrative drawings, and
particularly to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown an electronic device 12
in the form of a "smart phone" or "gadget". The electronic device
12 may include a user interface such as a display 14 or graphical
interface. As with this type of electronic device 12, the graphical
interface 14 may be interactive in that it may be touch screen
capable so that the graphical interface 14 may not only function to
provide "read only" data to the user, but enable data input through
touching marked areas of the graphical interface 14. The device 12
may also include an iPad, iPhone, Android, or any other handheld
computer that includes a processor, memory, wireless communication
capability and a user interface, namely a graphical interface 14,
and preferably a touchscreen display. In this disclosure the term
"icon" may refer to a graphical symbol that may be displayed on the
graphical interface 14. As noted, the graphical interface 14 may be
a touch screen display, and therefore enable the area of the
graphical interface 14 which displays the icon, to cause some
action when touched. Therefore, in this disclosure, the icon may
act similar to a button, that when depressed, causes some
action.
[0059] A controller 16 may include a receiver adapted to receive
wireless communication 18 from the electronic device 12. The
controller 16 may be provided electrical power from a power supply
20 which may include an AC outlet 22 or voltage supply 24 of the
type that may be provided from an automotive vehicle. The power
supply 20 may provide electrical communication with the controller
16 by way of the power cable 25. The controller 16 may receive the
wireless communication 18 from the electronic device 12 in the form
of short wavelength, ultra-high-frequency radio waves. Though
technology is constantly changing, currently the range of such a
system is approximately 10 meters. As is shown in FIG. 2, more than
one controller 16 may be controlled with a single electronic device
12. Each controller 16 may be recognized by the electronic device
12 with a different frequency, thereby distinguishing one
controller 16 from another controller 16. The controller 16 may
convert a digital signal generated by the electronic device 12,
which may be sent by wireless communication 18 to the controller
16, into a voltage output signal to one or more output terminals
26. One or more lighting arrays 28 may be electrically coupled to
an output terminal 26. A variety of different lighting arrays 28
may be used in combination with one of the output terminals 26 of
the controller 16. The lighting arrays 28 may be coupled directly
to the output terminal 26, or by way of a lighting extension 30. A
single lighting array 28 may be coupled to an output terminal 26 or
multiple lighting arrays 28 may be coupled to each other in series
and then coupled to an output terminal 26.
[0060] The lighting arrays 28 may be comprised of one or more light
sources 31 alone or grouped together. The light sources 31 may be
any type of lighting system. For the purposes of illustration the
light sources 31 used in this disclosure will be light emitting
diodes (LED's) and preferably multicolor light emitting diodes. It
is not the intent of the applicants to limit the scope of the
disclosure to any particular type of light sources 31. Incandescent
lights could also be used or any lighting technology not yet
currently known. To change the brightness on incandescent light the
voltage to the light is altered, higher voltage is brighter light
and lower voltage is lower light. With a light emitting diode (LED)
the pulse width of the voltage signal is increased for greater
brightness and decreased for a lesser brightness. This process is
commonly called pulse width modulation (PWM). To change the color
emitted by a multicolor light emitting diode the pulse width of
each of the red, blue and green (RBG) diodes within the light
source 31 may be individually modulated to produce any number of
color outputs in accordance with that level of mixture of red, blue
and green light.
[0061] Two or more output terminals 26 may be provided with each
controller 16. Each output terminal 26 of each controller 16 may
provide a unique zone, such that each output terminal 26 may
operate independently from the other output terminal 26 or be
grouped together to operate as a single output terminal 26. The
grouping process of this will be discussed in greater detail later
in this disclosure.
[0062] A sensor wire 32 may also be provided with each controller
16. The sensor wire 32 may provide an additional electrical input
signal to the controller 16. An example of such an electrical input
through the sensor wire 32 may be provided from the wiring to the
brake lights, turn signals or other wiring providing a signal.
Therefore, if the sensor wire 32 is wired in parallel with the
wiring to the brake lights, when the brakes of the vehicle are
pressed by a driver, and the brake lights are activated and an
electrical signal is sent to the controller 16 by way of the sensor
wire 32. This may produce an alternative signal to one or more of
the lighting arrays 28 by way of one or more of the output
terminals 26. As an example, when the brakes of the vehicle are
activated, the light output through an output terminal 26 may be
changed from what it was prior to brakes of the vehicle being
activated. This may include turning the light output from all the
lighting arrays 28 connected to each of the output terminals 26
bright red when the brakes are actuated, in essence turning the
entire vehicle into giant set of brake lights. This may be valuable
to alert other vehicles to the change in speed of the vehicle which
includes the lighting arrays 28. This may provide a clear safety
feature, especially for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, which
may already be harder to see because of their smaller physical
size, especially at night.
[0063] With attention to the software of the invention that may be
loaded onto the electronic device 12, examples of the graphic
interface and systems are shown in FIGS. 4-27. With reference to
FIG. 4, an example of a set up screen 34 is shown. This may include
a list of some of the general functions of each controller 16 that
is in communication with the electronic device 12. The
identification section 36 may include the ability to name a
specific controller 16. In that one electronic device 12 may
interact with multiple controllers 16, it may be advantageous to
create a name for a particular controller 16. For example, if used
with a vehicle, one controller 16 may control a series of lighting
arrays 28 near the front of the vehicle. In this case, the name may
be chosen to be, for example, "FRONT" thus identifying that series
of lighting arrays 28 in a manner that is easily recognizable by
the user.
[0064] The controller name 38 may be listed with a factory
identification number 39. This may be beneficial in the event of a
failure or damage to the controller 16. In that case, the factory
identification number 39 may be used for warranty or identification
purposes.
[0065] As noted, in the examples of each controller 16 shown in the
drawings there are two output terminals 26. It has been noted that
there may be more than two output terminals 26, or possibly a
single output terminal 26. With that said, the disclosure will
focus on the invention having two output terminals 26, each output
terminal 26 being identified by a zone specified in the software.
Just as the controller 16 may be named, so may each zone be given a
specific name. The zone name section 40 may be provided to the user
as shown in FIG. 4. Each zone may also be equipped with the ability
to toggle on and off a smart sensor action feature 42. The smart
sensor action feature 42 has been described earlier in use with the
sensor wire 32. As such, the sensor wire 32 may be in electrical
communication with any one source. In this disclosure only one
sensor wire 32 is shown but there could be more than one, each
could be connected to a different source, such as one to the brake
lights and one to the turn signals.
[0066] There are two zones shown in the smart sensor action 42.
Each zone may be connected to a different lighting array 28. Each
zone may be toggled on or off with a zone switch 44 so that only
the zone(s) that are turned on will be activated when the
controller 16 receives an electrical input by way of the sensor
wire 32.
[0067] Another option on the set up screen 34 may be an auto
shutdown 46. The auto shutdown 46 may also include a shutdown
switch 48. When the shutdown switch 48 is on, this may enable the
controller 16 to automatically shut down all lighting arrays 28
after a predetermined amount of time, such as five minutes, after
the electronic device 12 is out of range and breaks the wireless
communication 18 between the electronic device 12 and the
controller 16. The purpose may be to extend the battery life of a
vehicle from which the controller 16 and lighting arrays 28 are
receiving their electrical power. If the vehicle is unattended, it
may be desirable to have the lighting arrays 28 not be active and
also not draw unwanted attention to the vehicle.
[0068] A feature which enables a user to find their vehicle may be
turned on or off by use of a vehicle finder switch 50. The details
of the find my vehicle function are shown in FIGS. 24-25 and will
be discussed in detail later in the disclosure. The vehicle finder
switch 50 enables that feature to be turned on so that the feature
is activated, or turned off to be inactive. If a user does not
intend on using this feature and misplaces their electronic device
12, a stranger could go to the feature and locate the user's
vehicle without the vehicle owner's knowledge. This feature may be
turned off, thus disabling the feature, by setting the vehicle
finder switch 50 to the off position.
[0069] One embodiment of the software loaded on the electronic
device 12 and presented on the graphical interface 14, which may be
used to give instructions to the controller 16 is shown in FIGS.
5-27. The software may include four categories and displayed by
icons including: palette 52, theme 54, music 56 and location 58.
These icons may be positioned near the bottom of the graphical
interface 14 of the electronic device 12 as shown in FIGS. 5-6.
With a touchscreen display as a graphical interface 14, each one of
these categories may be selected by touching that icon associated
with that category.
[0070] As is shown in FIG. 5, the palette category 52 has been
selected. The palette 52 may define the color of the lighting
arrays 28 for that zone. A feature of the software displayed on the
graphical interface 14 may include a first zone icon 60 and a
second zone icon 62. When a zone icon (60 or 62) is touched on
graphical interface 14, that zone icon may increase in size and be
highlighted as the first zone icon 60 is in FIG. 5. The highlighted
first zone icon 60 may then be dragged by maintaining contact with
a finger of the user and moving it on the graphical interface 12.
In this embodiment, a partial circle area 64 may be positioned on
the graphical interface 14 with the geographical center 66 located
near the lower right corner of the graphical interface 14. An
advantage to such a graphical layout is that a person could have
the device in the palm of their right hand and interact with the
icons on the graphical interface 14 using only the thumb of that
hand. This may make the interaction with the electronic device 12 a
process that requires using only one hand.
[0071] In the partial circle area 64, a portion of the graphical
interface 14 may include a color wheel 68. The color wheel 68 may
also be shaped as a partial circle as here it is shown to be a
quarter circle. By dragging the first zone icon 60 closer or
farther from the geographical center 66, thus altering the "x"
dimension 70, this may change the color saturation that will be
assigned to that first zone icon 60 and therefore the lighting
arrays 28 associated with zone one. In the context of this
disclosure, the color hue may be defined as the gradation or
variety of a color. The property of light by which the color of an
object is classified as red, blue, green or yellow in reference to
the color spectrum.
[0072] By dragging the first zone icon 60 in an angular direction,
or orthogonal radial dimension, noted in FIG. 5 as the "y"
dimension 72, the color hue may be altered. In the context of this
disclosure, the color saturation may be defined as the colorfulness
of a color relative to its own brightness, or the intensity of
color of an image. Therefore, by dragging the first zone icon 60 to
a position within the partial circle area 64 the color and
properties of that color may be adjusted. The user may move the
first zone icon 60 in the desired position and that color and color
properties will then be linked to that zone. The first zone icon 60
may be larger in size as shown here relative to the second zone
icon 62, thus communicating to the user that the first zone icon 60
is active and the second zone icon 62 is not active.
[0073] Also shown in FIG. 5 a brightness scale 74 may be provided.
Here the brightness scale 74 may also be positioned in an arcuate
portion of the graphical interface 14 with the center of that arc
consistent with the geographical center 66. This may be done for
the reasons as previously noted, to allow for a use with a single
hand. To adjust the brightness, a brightness slider 76 may be
displayed between the minimum brightness area 78 and the maximum
brightness area 80. As before, the user's finger or thumb may
contact the brightness slider 76 and drag it to any position
between the minimum brightness area 78 and the maximum brightness
area 80, thereby setting the brightness of either zone that is
currently in an adjustment mode. In this figure that would be zone
one as the first zone icon 60 is shown to be in a state of being
modified.
[0074] The lighting pattern may also be adjusted for each zone.
This may be accomplished by scrolling through pattern selection
function 82. As is shown in FIG. 5, a solid pattern 84 has been
selected. A solid pattern 84 may mean that the light emitted from
the lighting arrays 28 may be turned on and kept on without being
dimmed or turned off and back on again in a defined pattern. As
such, there may be no change in frequency because there may be no
alteration in the duration of the light fading between an "on" and
"off" state. In contrast, as is shown in FIG. 6, a breath pattern
86 may be selected in the pattern selection function 82. A third
option is shown to be a strobe pattern 88. Both the breath pattern
86 and the strobe pattern 88 may include a sequence of repeated
increasing the brightness and decreasing the brightness in a
synchronous pattern. The breath pattern 86 may be a more a fluid
transition between greater brightness and lesser brightness and
then back to greater brightness. The strobe pattern 88 may be more
abrupt in the transition between greater brightness, lesser
brightness and then back to greater brightness. With the breath
pattern 86 and the strobe pattern 88 the frequency at which the
rate of transition between greater brightness to lesser brightness
and back to greater brightness occurs may be altered by adjusting
the frequency slider 90 between a minimum frequency area 92 and a
maximum frequency area 94 of the frequency slider 96. This
adjustment process may be similar to the adjustment of the
brightness slider 76 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0075] In the event that a user desires to make any adjustments and
have it apply to both zone one and zone two, this may be done by
grouping the zones together. To group any number of zones together
the user may drag any zone icon over a second zone icon and hold
the icons on top of one another for a short period of time. The
result may be a zone icon without a number displayed and appears as
a double circle icon 98, as is shown in FIG. 7a. To ungroup any
number of zones, the user may touch the double circle icon 98 and
hold that position for a brief period time. The number of zones may
be displayed, as in FIG. 7b with the first zone icon 60 and the
second zone icon 62 graphically displayed above the double circle
icon 98 on the graphical interface 14. If the user wishes to
ungrouped any zone he may move his finger from the double circle
icon 98 and within a short period of time touch the icon relating
to the zone they wish to remove from the group and drag it away
from the double circle icon 98. If the user does not contact a zone
icon and drag it away from the double circle icon 98 within a
predetermined amount of time, all of the zones which are grouped
within the double circle icon 98 may remain as one group and
illustrated by the double circle icon 98. If this happens the image
on the graphical interface 14 will return to that as shown in FIG.
7a.
[0076] It was previously discussed the graphical interface 14 on
the electronic device 12 may include a partial circle area 64 with
the geographical center 66 located near a bottom lower corner of
the graphical interface 14. In that most people are right-handed,
this geographical center 66 has been shown to be located near the
lower right portion of the graphical interface 14. The lighting
control system as shown and described may also include a screen
flip function. The screen flip function may provide the user the
ability to mirror the image by moving the geographical center 66
from a lower right corner to a lower left corner. An example of
this is shown in FIG. 8. All other details on the graphical
interface 14 may be consistent regardless of the relative location
of the geographical center 66, be that at the lower right corner
suitable for right-handed people (FIG. 6) or in the lower left
corner suitable for left-handed people (FIG. 8).
[0077] Another feature of the lighting control system may be a
color selection icon 100. When a user touches the color selection
icon 100 a camera function of the electronic device 12 may be
activated. The camera function of the electronic device 12 may
allow the user the ability to take a digital image of any object.
An example of the screen of the electronic device 12 in the camera
mode is shown in FIG. 9. The center target 102 on the graphical
interface 14 of the electronic device 12 may provide source image
that may be analyzed. The target pixels of the digital photographic
source image may be saved within the memory of the electronic
device 12. The source image may be color mapped to the color
palette stored within the software of the electronic device 12. The
color mapping process may find a color with similar hue and
saturation properties of the source image relative to the color
palette. A color purifying algorithm may be used to enhance the
color of the source image to maximize the level of saturation of
the color prior to selecting a mapped color in the memory of the
software in the electronic device 12.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 10, a device list page 104 may be
displayed on the graphical interface 14 of electronic device 12 at
any time by pressing the device icon 106. The device list page 104
may include a master switch 108 that may be used to turn on or off
the lighting control system. In addition, a controller
identification 110 may be provided to identify which controller 16
or controllers 16 are present and which ones are connected to the
electronic device 12 with the connection icon 112. The connection
icon 112 may display a scaled representation of the signal strength
of the wireless communication with that controller 16. Also, each
zone may include a power switch 114 which may be used to
selectively turn on or off each zone, thereby enabling only the
lighting arrays 28 which correspond to the zone or zones which the
user would like to illuminate.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 11-13 an interface on the graphical
interface 14 of the electronic device 12 is shown which may allow a
user to set favorites, group zones and use a varied white light
output of the lighting arrays 28. If the plus symbol 116, which may
be located in the partial circle area 64, is pressed on the
graphical interface 14, a favorites page 118 may be displayed, as
shown in FIG. 11. A series of stored color icons 120 may be
displayed, which may be selected with a single touch. Though only
four stored color icons 120 are shown, there may be more color
icons 120 that may be accessed by scrolling this area of the
graphical interface 14 to the right or left. This may allow
additional stored color icons 120 to translate across the graphical
interface 14, still showing a set number of stored color icons 120
at any one time. This may allow the size of the stored color icons
120 to be large enough so that the user may accurately select a
desired color and yet allow for a multitude of stored colors to be
available to the user.
[0080] A new color may be created, identified and displayed as a
stored color icon 120 and added to the stored color icon list be
taking any color currently selected and selecting an add to
favorites icon 122. That color may be desired to be used as a
starting color in the future, so the user may select a set default
icon 124. This may select that color as a color for the lighting
arrays 28 in all new zones that are created. This color may be
changed by the steps as previously shown and described.
[0081] The color palettes that have been depicted thus far, as in
FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 may display a multicolored selection based on the
red, green and blue (RBG) color spectrum. This may be chosen in
selecting the RBG icon 126. White light typically exists between a
daylight blue-white and a warm yellow-white and is identified as a
temperature on the Kelvin scale. This temperature is based on black
body radiation emission. A temperature of 4600K or greater gives a
daylight color or a blue-white color of white. A slightly lower
temperature of between 3000K and 4600K gives off a cool white color
of white. To achieve a warmer color or yellowish white, a lower
temperature of below 3000K is required.
[0082] The lighting control system as presented may offer a varied
white light option for color outputs to the lighting arrays 28 by
selecting the white icon 128. Selecting the white icon 128 may load
on the graphical interface 14 a detail as shown in FIG. 13. Here
the first zone icon 60 and the second zone icon 62 may be shown as
ungrouped as they are each separately shown. The process as
previously discussed of dragging a zone icon (60 or 62) and
hovering that zone icon over another zone icon until they are shown
as a double circle icon 98 will group the zones together as one, as
shown in FIG. 12a. This may mean any action made to one zone icon
will be applied to all zones in that group. In comparison, the
color (RBG) version of the partial circle area 64 with two zones
may be illustrated in FIG. 12b.
[0083] To change the color of white the user may touch and drag the
first zone icon 60 or the second zone icon 62 in FIG. 13 (or
grouped double circle icon 98 if grouped) and drag that icon more
toward the lower left for a higher temperature color, to the upper
right for a lower temperature color white or anywhere in between.
When the icon is released by the user, this will set the color for
that zone. Whether the higher temperature is on the left or right,
is not considered relevant, as that portion of the partial circle
area 64 may include a background color that is associated with that
color, both in the white light and the RBG colors. The radial lines
130 may graphically illustrate that with the white color, only the
angular position may alter the color, not the distance of the zone
icon (60 or 62) from the geographical center point 66. Therefore in
contrast to the RBG (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) there is no need to change
two variables (hue and saturation) only the single variable of the
temperature.
[0084] The brightness may also be altered. For that the process may
be the same as that of changing the brightness of the solid color
in the RBG. Here as shown in FIG. 13, to adjust the brightness, the
brightness slider 76 may be displayed between the minimum
brightness area 78 and the maximum brightness area 80. As before,
the user's finger or thumb may contact the brightness slider 76 and
dragging it to any position between the minimum brightness area 78
and the maximum brightness area 80.
[0085] An example of the user interface associated with the theme
category is shown in FIGS. 14-17. A theme may be accessed by
pressing the theme category icon 54. A theme may be a combination
of changes in light and brightness provided in a repeated pattern.
As an example, a Christmas theme may include red and green colors,
one color increasing brightness and then dropping off to switch to
the other color, then the process repeats in increasing followed by
fading brightness. In FIG. 14 a sample of a variety of themes is
shown. These are only a few examples as it is understood that there
are an infinite number of possible combinations of varying
brightness and colors that may exist. The graphical interface 14 of
the electronic device 12 may include a set of theme examples 132.
Each theme example 132 may include a theme pattern 134 that may
represent the changing brightness of the lighting arrays 28
associated with that zone. A zone indicator 136 may show which
theme is to be used for that zone. Each theme example 132 may
include a title block 138 that may be pre-set or customized by the
user to set a certain mood or holiday that is easily recognizable
by the user.
[0086] The theme pattern 134 may be looked at as a coordinate graph
with time along the horizontal axis and brightness along the
vertical axis. As the graph line progresses vertically higher as
the time passes along the horizontal, the brightness of the light
output increases. As the theme pattern 134 decreases, the
brightness of light output from the lighting arrays decreases. A
horizontal line 140 would mean the brightness is constant. The
color change may be graphically presented as background behind the
theme pattern 134. The color may be a constant, or it may vary in
some set pattern not associated with the theme pattern 134, or it
may change in some coordinated manner with the theme pattern
134.
[0087] There are a limited number of theme examples 132 that are
shown in FIG. 14, and likewise a limited number that would be
reasonable to display on any size graphical interface 14. As such,
more themes may be displayed by scrolling the list of theme
examples 132 upward or downward, still showing a set number on the
graphical interface 14 at any given time.
[0088] If a new theme is desired to be created by the user, the new
icon 142 may be used. By touching the new icon 142 the software may
present a theme construction page 144 on the graphical interface 14
of the electronic device 12. An example of this is presented in
FIG. 15. To build a theme, a user may select one of any number of
given theme patterns 134 from the pattern section 146. Picking a
selected theme pattern 135 may then be displayed in a theme pattern
display 148. This may allow the user to see what selected theme
pattern 135 has been chosen for this theme. A color may be chosen
by selecting and moving a color icon 150 to a position in the color
area 152. The color identified by the color icon 150 may be
displayed in the current color box 154 below the color area 152. To
add the color highlighted by the color icon 150, and shown in the
current color box 154, the user may select the plus box 156. That
color may then be added to the color boxes 158 and color timeline
159 in the order in which they are added. If a color is desired to
be removed, the user may touch the color box 158 displaying that
color, at which time that color box may be displayed as the new
current color box 154. The delete color icon 160 may be selected
and that color box may be removed. The removal of that color may
also be updated in the color timeline 159. When a theme is
completed, the save icon 162 may be pressed.
[0089] The theme may also be changed as to the frequency and
brightness of the color. By scrolling down on theme construction
page 144 the speed setting 164 and brightness setting 166 may be
presented on the graphical interface 14 of the electronic device 12
as is shown in FIG. 16. The theme pattern display 148 section of
the graphical interface 14 of the electronic device 12 may remain
visible so that the scrolling area may be below the theme pattern
display 148. This may allow the user to continue to see the
selected theme pattern 135 and color timeline 159 while being able
to view other theme patterns 134 and options such as the speed
setting 164 and brightness setting 166. The speed or frequency of
the repeating format of the pattern may be increased by touching
and dragging the speed slider 168 to the right for a higher
frequency and to the left for a lower frequency. The brightness
setting 166 may be changed by touching and dragging the brightness
slider 170 to the right for a greater brightness or to the left for
a lower brightness.
[0090] If the user desires to apply a theme to zones in the future,
the user may set this theme as a start-up theme. One example of the
interaction on the graphical interface 14 of the electronic device
12 is shown in FIG. 17. From the previous screen shown in FIG. 16,
a particular theme pattern may be swiped to the left. This may
alter that portion of the graphical interface 14 to show three new
icons, the setup default icon 172, a modify icon 174 and a delete
icon 176. With a theme chosen, the setup default icon 172 may be
selected, which may set this theme as the default theme when
creating a new theme or setting up a new zone. The modify icon 174
may allow the user to change any aspect of a theme, such as the
color, brightness, frequency or theme pattern. The delete icon 176
may remove that theme from the memory of the electronic device 12.
In this mode, the title block 138 may identify the theme to the
user and the zone indicators 178 may show which zones this theme is
being applied. The theme may then be saved to the controller by way
of the save to controller icon 180. As FIG. 17 is showing what may
be the startup theme, the startup theme icon 182 may be
highlighted. This theme may be saved as other custom themes by
selecting one of the custom theme icons 184.
[0091] It may be desirable to sequence the light output from the
lighting arrays 28 to music. This may be accomplished by use of the
lighting control system. The process of selecting music and linking
it to a color output through the lighting arrays 28 may be
illustrated in FIGS. 18-23. The music may be stored and played from
the memory in the electronic device 12 or picked up by way of a
microphone within the electronic device 12. The light output
through the lighting arrays 28 may be a single color or multi
colored. An example of the use of the lighting control system to
provide light to the lighting arrays 28 from ambient music is shown
in FIG. 18. The microphone icon 186 may be activated to signal the
software on the electronic device 12 to source music through the
microphone on the electronic device 12. The sensitivity of the
microphone may be set by adjusting the sensitivity slider 188 on
the sensitivity scale 190. The sensitivity scale 190 may be used
depending on the volume of the music the user is listening to. For
example, if the environment has more than one audio source present,
the user may adjust the sensitivity scale 190 down to omit any
background noise that may interfere with the desired music.
[0092] The graphical interface 14 may include a single color option
icon 192 and a multi color option icon 194. The single color option
icon 192 may allow for the brightness of the color output through
the lighting arrays 28 to be increased in accordance with the
relative volume of the music at any time. In contrast, by selecting
the multi color option icon 194 the color output at the lighting
arrays 28 may be changed as the relative volume of the music
changes. The software of the lighting control system may measure
the change in volume within an audio range of the music, be that
through the microphone as ambient noise or from the music played by
the electronic device 12. A light output simulation area 196 may
display an example of the light output that may be seen at the
lighting arrays 28 at the same time. A music position indicator 198
may graphically display the current position of the song between
the starting point 200 and the song end position 202.
[0093] To use a song that is saved in the memory of the electronic
device 12, the song icon 204 may be selected. An example of a
display of the software on the graphical interface 14 using a song
from memory may be presented in FIG. 19. In that there is no need
for microphone sensitivity as there is no microphone used, that
area on the graphical interface 14 may be replaced with an audio
play icon 206. The audio play icon 206 may include a play button
208, a fast forward button 210, a back to start button 212, a
repeat song button 214 and an audio selection button 216. The audio
selection button 216 may provide access to the audio files stored
on the electronic device 12 and be displayed for the user to
select. The play button 208 may be used to start the song playing,
the fast forward button 210 may advance the song along the track,
the back to start button 212 may result in starting the song over
and the repeat song button 214 may direct the software to run that
song on a continuously repeating loop.
[0094] To set a color in a single color mode, as determined by
selecting the single color option icon 192, the plus icon 218 may
be selected. That may direct the software to change the detail on
the graphical interface 14 to that similar to that shown in FIG.
21. Here the graphical interface 14 of the electronic device 12 may
show the partial circle area 64, which may display color options.
The first zone icon 60 may be positioned in a specific color in the
partial circle area 64. The second zone icon 62 may be shown as it
may appear if the second zone icon is being dragged to a new
location within the partial circle area 64 to assign a new color to
that zone. When a new single color is assigned to zone two by
positioning of the second zone icon 62, the display on the
graphical interface 14 may be changed back to that as shown in FIG.
20 by selecting the close button 220.
[0095] If the user selects the multi color option icon 194, to set
a color combination the user may select the plus icon 194, which
may direct the graphical interface 14 of the electronic device 12
to enable the user to choose a color theme, as may be presented in
FIG. 22. A variety of color themes 222 may be displayed each with a
title block 138 and a color display sequence 224. Each color theme
222 may be comprised of one or more individual colors designated by
individual color blocks 226. When a color theme 222 is selected,
that selected theme icon 228 may be displayed as larger compared to
the rest of the color themes 222, thus alerting the user as to
their selection that will be used. To return to the graphics as may
be shown in FIG. 20, the user may select the close icon 230 as
shown in FIG. 22.
[0096] To create a new color theme 222, the new icon 232 may be
selected. This may cause the software to display on the graphical
interface 14 of the electronic device 12 a color selection option
234 as shown in FIG. 23. A color may be chosen by selecting and
moving a color icon 150 to a position in the color area 152. The
color identified by the color icon 150 may be displayed in the
current color box 154 below the color area 152. To add the color
highlighted by the color icon 150, and shown in the current color
box 154, the user may select the plus box 156. That color may then
be added to the color boxes 158 in which they are added. If a color
is desired to be removed, the user may touch the color box 158
displaying that color, at which time that color box may be
displayed as the new current color box 154. The delete color icon
160 may be selected and that color box may be removed. When a theme
is completed, the save icon 162 may be pressed. The sensitivity of
the brightness of the color output of the lighting arrays 28 may be
modified by use of the brightness adjustment 236. The farther the
adjustment slider 238 is moved to the right, the greater the
sensitivity may become.
[0097] Many people will park their vehicle in a crowded parking
lot, walk away and then forget where their vehicle is located. This
may be especially true when in an unfamiliar place, such as when
traveling. The lighting control system of the present invention has
a solution for just such an incident. As previously noted, the
controller 16 which may be located on the vehicle, may receive the
wireless communication 18 from the electronic device 12 in the form
of short wavelength, ultra-high-frequency radio waves. Though
technology is constantly changing, currently the range of such a
system is approximately ten meters. In order for the controller 16
to establish a GPS location on its own, the controller must include
a GPS beacon. In that most electronic devices, such as
smart-phones, already have a GPS beacon, it may seem redundant and
add unnecessary cost to put a second beacon in each controller 16
when there may be a beacon a few feet away in the electronic device
12 the user is using to interface with the lighting control system.
Because the range of the wireless communication 18 system is
limited to a few feet, the software may mark the GPS coordinate at
the moment the wireless signal is lost between the electronic
device 12 and the controller 16. This GPS location data may be
several feet away from the controller. When the location icon 58 is
pressed, the software may generate a map 240 and display it on the
graphical interface 14 of the electronic device 12. A location pin
242 may be displayed at the GPS location where the wireless
communication signal 18 was lost.
[0098] If the wireless communication signal 18 has a range of ten
meters, in a crowded parking lot there could be dozens of vehicles
in a circle with a twenty meter diameter. When the user goes to the
location pin 242 is located on the map 240, the wireless
communication 18 may be re-established between the electronic
device 12 and he controller 16 located on the vehicle. Confirmation
of the wireless communication may be displayed on the graphical
interface 14 by a connection tag 244 near the location pin 242 on
the map 240. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 25. At this
point, a light icon 246 may be presented on the graphical interface
14. The user may select the light icon 246, which may then turn on
the lighting arrays 28 of any active zones as set in the setup page
as illustrated in FIG. 4. With the lighting arrays 28 illuminated,
the vehicle may easily stand out as being distinguished from the
surrounding vehicles.
[0099] An alternative to the location icon 58 may be the motion
icon 58'. In that the location of any object may be determined by
its previous motion, either of these icon names may be used. As is
shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the motion icon 58' is used as these
figures illustrate an example of the use of motion data. Many
electronic devices 12, such as smart-phones, include a type of
accelerometer. This may be a mass suspended by and elastic element
in both directions of the x, y and z Cartesian coordinate system
set to the reference of the frame of the electronic device 12. In
other words, it may be a mass held by six springs, each pair of
springs positioned ninety degrees away from each other pair of
springs. If the user rotates the electronic device, gravity pulls
on the suspended mass and creates more spring tension in some
springs relative to other springs. The resultant force vector will
always point toward the center of the earth if the electronic
device 12 is not moving or moving at a constant velocity in any
direction. This information allows the electronic device 12 to know
which way is up and rotate the orientation of the display on the
graphical interface 14 accordingly. As noted, this system already
exists on many electronic devices 12. The software of the lighting
control system may use that resultant vector data to determine the
movement of the electronic device by calculating acceleration. The
lighting control system of the present invention may then use that
data to generate an interactive light output by way of the lighting
arrays 28.
[0100] An acceleration icon 248 may be provided on the graphical
interface 14 of the electronic device 12. With reference to FIG.
26, a quarter circle analog dial 250 may be provided with a
geographical center 66 positioned near the lower portion of the
graphical interface 14. This may be done for the reasons as
previously noted as it may facilitate ease of use with a single
hand of the user. A needle indicator 252 may be provided to
graphically identify the current acceleration of the electronic
device 12. An adjustable scale 254 may be provided such that the
user may touch the adjustable scale 254 and drag that touched area
toward a minimum scale value to increase a maximum scale value and
inversely to drag that touched area toward a maximum scale value to
decrease the maximum scale value displayed on the graphical
interface 14. A digital acceleration 256 may also be provided.
[0101] The data displayed on the graphical interface 14 may be
mapped to a color and brightness output of light by way of the
lighting arrays 28. A single color option icon 192 may be selected
to provide a varying brightness of the lighting arrays 28 with
regard to the current acceleration data. The greater the
acceleration value, the brighter the single light output at the
lighting arrays 28 may be. If the multi color option icon 194 is
selected, the variation in acceleration data may be mapped to
different color output by way of the lighting arrays 28.
[0102] A similar system may be provided with respect to current
velocity or speed of movement. A speed icon 258 may be provided on
the graphical interface 14. Selection of the speed icon 258 may
allow the location data from the GPS to calculate the difference in
distance between a previous location and a current location and
then divide that distance by the time it took to travel that
distance. Using short distances, the resulting product may be the
speed of movement. An example of how this may be displayed on the
graphical interface 14 is illustrated in FIG. 27. Similarly to the
acceleration data, the speed may be displayed on the graphical
interface 14 by a quarter circle analog dial 250. This may be
provided with a geographical center 66 positioned near the lower
portion of the graphical interface 14. A needle indicator 252 may
be provided to graphically identify the current speed of the
electronic device 12. An adjustable scale 254 may be provided such
that the user may touch the adjustable scale 254 and drag that
touched area toward a minimum scale value to increase a maximum
scale value and inversely to drag that touched area toward a
maximum scale value to decrease the maximum scale value displayed
on the graphical interface 14. A digital speed 260 may also be
provided.
[0103] The speed data may also be mapped to the lighting arrays 28
such that the single color option icon 192 may be selected to
provide a varying brightness of the lighting arrays 28 with regard
to the current speed data. The greater the speed value, the
brighter the single light output at the lighting arrays 28 may be.
If the multi color option icon 194 is selected, the variation in
speed data may be mapped to different color output by way of the
lighting arrays 28.
[0104] An alternative display option when the user selects the
Theme Display Icon 54 is shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. As noted
above, there are a limited number of theme examples 132' that are
shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, and likewise a limited number that
would be reasonable to display on any size graphical interface 14.
As such, more theme examples 132' may be displayed by scrolling the
list of theme examples 132' upward or downward, still showing a set
number on the graphical interface 14 at any given time.
[0105] This alternative display of theme examples 132' shown in
FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 may include a live preview. The live preview
may be activated by the user touching an area on the graphical
interface 14 near any of the theme examples 132' on the graphical
interface 14. Touching that area may signal the graphical interface
14 to display the output of a sequence algorithm in which a pattern
sequence 262 may illuminate each pattern segment 264 in a sequence
that may be representative of the sequence that may be displayed on
a lighting array 28 when using that theme. A color sequence icon
266 may be provided adjacent to the color sequence 262 to indicate
the sequence of color changes that may accompany the pattern
sequence 262.
[0106] Each theme example 132' may include a title block 138 that
may be pre-set or customized by the user to set a certain mood,
holiday, vehicle signal pattern or anything of the like that is
easily recognizable by the user. In FIG. 28 the title blocks 138
may be descriptive of the pattern sequence 262. In addition, the
pattern segments 264 may themselves be graphically descriptive of
the lighting pattern that may be shown as the live preview on the
graphical interface 14 and also on the lighting array 28. For
example, the title block 138 listed as "Left Chase" in FIG. 28 may
represent pattern segments 264 in the pattern sequence 262 as being
shaped as a set of left facing arrows. The live preview, which may
be enabled when the user touches the graphical interface 14 on or
near that displayed pattern sequence 262 for a predetermined amount
of time, such as one second, may illuminate the right most pattern
segment 264 for a predetermined time period followed by the pattern
segment 264 located on the immediate left of the first pattern
segment 264. This process may continue in a sequential pattern from
left to right, thus "chasing left".
[0107] At the same time as the pattern segments 264 are progressing
through their predetermined pattern, the color sequence icons 266
may each display a color and illuminate that color in a sequential
pattern consistent with that of the pattern segments 264. As this
happens, the pattern segments 264 may also change color on the
graphical interface 14 in the order as depicted by the color
sequence icons 266.
[0108] Any pattern or color combinations may be used. In this
disclosure up to three colors are shown to be depicted by the color
sequence icons 266 for each pattern sequence 262 of each theme
example 132'. The number of colors is not considered relevant to
the novelty of the invention and as such, any reasonable number of
color combinations may be used. In a like manner, six examples of
theme examples 132' are shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. Some are
intuitive in their pattern based on the name in the title block 138
and shape of the pattern segments 264. For example, the "split
chase" theme example 132' in FIG. 29 may start in the center
pattern segment 264 and simultaneously sequence to the right and
left as shown by the arrow shape of the pattern segments 264 or any
other predetermined spot. The theme example 132' identified as
"Center" in FIG. 28 may behave just the opposite and start at the
far right and left pattern segments 264 and sequence simultaneously
toward the center pattern segment 264. After each pattern segment
264 cycles through an illumination, the color may change for the
next illumination based on the color sequence depicted by the color
sequence icons 266.
[0109] An alternative to the lighting control system as shown in
FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 30-33. As previously shown and described,
an electronic device 12 with a graphical interface 14 may be used
to communicate with a controller 16. This communication may be a
wireless communication 18. The controller 16 may be powered by a
power supply 20, shown here in the form of an AC outlet 22 or
voltage supply 24 (FIG. 2) of the type that may be provided from an
automotive vehicle or other power source. Output terminals 26 may
be used to provide electrical communication between one or more
lighting arrays 28', each containing one or more light sources 31.
These lighting arrays 28' may include a local chip 268, which may
specifically identify that lighting array 28' and distinguish it
from any other lighting array 28'.
[0110] Providing a local chip 268 in one or more lighting arrays
28' may provide several advantages over a system such a lighting
array 28 which does not include a local chip 268. The local chip
268 may include a specific local address. That may enable the
controller to identify that lighting array 28' as being unique over
all other lighting arrays 28'. Therefore, if a user wishes to run a
specific lighting protocol for that lighting array 28' and ignore
all other lighting arrays 28', this system of using the local chip
268 in the lighting array 28' may provide that flexibility. As
such, a string of lighting arrays 28' may be linked in series with
one another, thus obtaining their electrical power from one source
and linked to one controller 16. Each lighting array 28' in that
string may be programmed to display a lighting protocol that is
different from all the rest of the lighting arrays 28'. The system
noted earlier may separate lighting protocols by zones but all
lighting arrays 28 of that system could be on the same zone as they
may not be distinguishable from each other, only from another zone.
The use of the local chip 268 in the lighting array 28' may
therefore provide for greater flexibility in greater combinations
of lighting protocols that may be used at the same time on multiple
lighting arrays 28'.
[0111] Another advantage to the lighting array 28' which may
include a local chip 268 is that lighting protocols may be stored
on the local chip 268 associated with each lighting array 28'. This
may significantly reduce the bandwidth needed to drive the light
sources 31 on each lighting array 28' when numerous different
lighting protocols are being used simultaneously on multiple
lighting arrays 28'. The data to control the color, brightness,
duration, frequency, and pattern of the light sources 31 must all
be sent to each individual light source 31 on each lighting array
28'. The amount of data that must be transferred from the
controller 16 to each light source 31 if several lighting arrays
28' are to run different lighting protocols may be prohibitive with
a simple controller 16. In the present invention, the data needed
to run several lighting protocols may be stored on each local chip
268. This way the only data that needs to be sent by the controller
16 to that lighting array 28' is the identification of the desired
lighting protocol. The local chip 268 may run the light sources 31
on that lighting array 28', thereby greatly reducing the data flow
from the controller 16. This may enable the same controller 16 to
run many more lighting arrays 28' as compared to a system where the
lighting array 28 does not have a local chip 268.
[0112] One or more TO (input/output) devices 270 may be used with
the present invention. An TO device 270 may include a sensor such
as the type used to measure speed, acceleration, temperature or any
other physical parameter. This data may be sent back to the
controller 16 by way of a sensor wire 32 or by wireless
communication 18, such as a radio frequency (RF). An TO device 270
may also be a physical element of a structure such as an automobile
or building. These physical elements may include turn signals,
brake lights, a dome light or clearance lights of a vehicle or even
outdoor lighting of a building. Some TO devices 270 may transfer
data back to the controller 16 and some TO devices 270 may be used
to only receive instructions from the controller 16.
[0113] An example of the user of the TO devices 270 may be one TO
device 270 may be a sensor that is positioned on a vehicle or
building to sense outside temperature. The controller 16 may
monitor the data received from the temperature sensing TO device
270. Once the temperature reaches a set threshold, such as lowers
to the freezing point of 32.degree. F., the controller 16 may send
an output to a different TO device 270 that controls the color of
the interior lighting of a vehicle or lighting next to the sidewalk
of a building. The color change may be from white light to blue
light, for example, alerting the driver or someone on the sidewalk
near the building that there may be a risk of ice forming on the
walkway or road.
[0114] The IO devices 270 may be linked directly to the controller
16 by way of sensor wires 32 or to a sensor module 272. The sensor
module 272 may also include a local chip 268 so that data may be
transferred from the sensor module 272 to the controller 16 and
from the controller 16 to the sensor module 272 to control the IO
devices 270 that may be in communication with the sensor module
272. It may be desirable to physically distance the sensor module
272, and therefore the associated sensor wires 32, from the
controller 16 without losing communication with the controller 16.
The ability to place a sensor module 272 in series with one or more
lighting arrays 28' provides a convenient means to position IO
devices 270 as needed regardless of the location of the controller
16.
[0115] The use of a sensor wire 32 to provide electrical
communication between the controller 16, or the sensor module 272,
to an IO device 270 is shown in FIGS. 30, 32 and 33. Another means
of communication between the sensor module 272, or the controller
16, and an IO device 270 may be by wireless communication 18. To
accomplish this, a transmitter/receiver 274 may be provided with an
IO device 270 and the communicating device (sensor module 272 or
controller 16). The transmitter/receiver 274 may allow for data to
be sent and received by the IO device 270 and the controller 16 or
sensor module 272. This may allow for information transfer between
the controller 16 directly, or by way of the sensor module 272,
which is connected to the controller 16 directly or through one or
more lighting arrays 28'. An advantage of using a sensor module 272
incorporated in a series of lighting arrays 28' is that the
distance between the controller 16 and the IO device 270 may be
significant. It may be desirable to use wireless communication 18
if a desired IO device 270 is located some distance from the
desired location of the controller 16 or sensor module 272. The
ability to use wireless communication 18 between the sensor module
272, or the controller 16, and the IO device 270 further assists
the user in connecting to a potentially remotely located IO device
270.
[0116] A control panel 276 may also be used in combination with the
controller 16 and one or more lighting arrays 28'. The control
panel 276 may also include a local chip 268 to provide for
expedited communication with the controller 16, as previously
disclosed. In addition, the control panel 276 may include sensor
wires 32 and a transmitter/receiver 274 to allow for communication
with one or more IO devices 270. A difference between the control
panel 276 and the sensor module 272 may be the addition of panel
buttons 278 on the control panel 276. One or more of the panel
buttons 278 may be programmed to provide specific instructions to
the controller 16. In doing so, a single panel button 278 on the
control panel 276 may be pressed to result in a programmable
lighting sequence of one or more lighting arrays 28'. The lighting
sequence may be programmed to a panel button 278 with the use of
the electronic device 12 as previously disclosed to generate a
lighting sequence, or pre-programmed from the factory to include
some of the more popular lighting sequences. In many cases the
control panel 276 may be provided in an automobile. If the
automobile is moving, the system as described may allow the user to
perform a specific lighting task with minimal focus away from the
process of driving. This may be especially important for first
responders or other emergency personnel that need to alert other
drivers and do so while driving at a high rate of speed. A panel
display 280 may also be incorporated on the control panel 276. The
control panel 276 may be positioned inside a vehicle or building to
which the lighting arrays 28' may be located. The control panel 276
may provide a visual feedback to the user by way of the panel
display 280 as to the status or programs of the lighting arrays
28'. The panel buttons 278 may be programmable by the user or
pre-programmed at the factory with a variety of functions. The
control panel 276 may be a more permanent alternative to control
the lighting arrays 28' than the electronic device 12 as previously
shown which may be a smart phone or some other multi-function
electronic device. The control panel 276 may have a single purpose,
that being to control the lighting arrays 28' thus freeing up a
smart phone or tablet to do other things such as work as a phone or
computer to accomplish other tasks. The control panel 276 may also
include a line plug 281. The line plug 281 may be used to attach
additional lighting arrays 28' in series with the control panel 276
in a manner similar to the lighting arrays 28' that are shown to
plug into the control panel 276 by way of an input plug 283, shown
in FIG. 30.
[0117] Another alternative to the user interface is shown in FIGS.
34-35. In FIG. 34 an electronic device 12 is shown that may be
similar to that as previously presented. The display 14 partial
circle area 64 with one or more icons which may rotate about the
graphical center point 66, has been previously discussed. In this
embodiment, one of the graphics may be a list of icons displaying
the pattern sequence 262 options available to the user. The icons
of the pattern sequence 262 may scroll in a rotating manner about
the graphical center point 66 by touching the display 14 in the
area of the pattern sequence 262 icons and dragging the icons in a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction. A variety of patterns may
be displayed similar to those shown in FIGS. 28-29. Also in this
embodiment, the brightness scale 74' may be in the form of a
compact slider where sliding clockwise or in the direction of the
plus sign (+) may increase the brightness and sliding the compact
slider counter clockwise, or toward the minus sign (-) may decrease
the brightness. This may provide a similar outcome to using the
brightness scale 74 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0118] In a similar manner, a compact slider may be used as a speed
slider 90'. This compact slider may be rotated clockwise toward the
plus sign (+) to increase the speed or counter clockwise toward the
minus sign (-) to decrease the frequency. The outcome of using this
compact slider in the form of a frequency slider 90' may be similar
to the frequency slider 90 as presented in FIG. 8.
[0119] A light map indicator 282 may also be presented on the
display 14. The light map indicator 282 may show the sequence of
lights of a particular lighting array 28 as noted by the channel
indicator 284, shown here to be a single light array 28. To alter,
add or remove a zone of lighting arrays, the user may touch the
detail button 286 on the display 14. This may change the graphics
on the display 14 of the electronic device 12 to that shown in FIG.
35. Here a light zone map is shown. The first zone icon 60 and the
second zone icon 62 are shown with a highlighted third zone icon
288 in a highlighted area 290 on the display 14. The group display
area 292 may show a graphic representation of one or more light map
indicators 282 for each channel indicator 284 in that zone. These
light map indicators 282 may populate in the group display area 292
from feedback from the actual sequence in that group. By using
lighting arrays 28', each with a local chip 268, as previously
noted, information may be provided back to the controller 16 to
know the layout of the lighting arrays 28' in each group. This
information may be translated to provide a graphic of light map
indicators 282, which may be populated to the display 14 of the
electronic device 12 without any need for the user to input the
data.
[0120] As noted above, each lighting array 28' with a local chip
268 may include the ability to control the individual light sources
31 with more variation. In that each light source 31 may include
the ability to generate a virtually infinite number of colors, it
may be desirable to be able to program more than one individual
light source 31 on any one or more of the lighting arrays 28' to
have a potentially different lighting color relative to an adjacent
light source 31, even if the lighting array 28' is performing a
specific lighting sequence. To make this happen, one or more light
source icon 294 may be touched on the display 14 to set a color
associated with that zone. For example, if zone 3 is set to be blue
in color. One or more of the individual light sources 31 in any of
the channels, as indicated by the channel indicators 284 (here A, B
or C) may be touched while zone 3 is highlighted in the group
display area 292. This may turn the light sources 31 associated
with that lighting array 28' to that zone 3 color of blue (for
example). This process may be repeated for any zone (to change
color) for any lighting array 28' under any channel indicator 284.
The light source icons 294 may turn the color on the display that
is associated with that highlighted zone. For the purpose of
illustration, in FIG. 35, the light source icons 294 that have been
touched and therefore take on the color of the highlighted zone are
noted in a darker outline. This process may provide a greater
variety of color and lighting flexibility to the user that may be
easy to use and intuitive so as to increase the ease of use and
reduce the learning curve in the hands of a new user.
[0121] The foregoing detailed description of the present invention
is provided for purposes of illustration, and it is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular
embodiment shown. The embodiments may provide different
capabilities and benefits, depending on the configuration used to
implement key features of the invention.
* * * * *